The Index of Retail Sales is a quarterly measure of the value of goods sold by retailers based on a sampling of retail stores of different types and sizes. It is an important indicator of movements in retail trade and is computed using the total receipts of a sample of retail establishments. It is therefore, essentially a value index. The series may be used, within limitations, to estimate the quarterly consumer expenditure and, when deflated by the Retail Price Index, can be a useful tool to monitor the volume of retail sales.
Coverage
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE
National coverage
UNIT OF ANALYSIS
Business establishments
TYPE OF RETAILER
Dry Goods Stores
Supermarkets and Groceries
Construction and Hardware
Household Appliances, Etc.
Textiles and Wearing Apparel
Motor Vehicles and Parts
Petrol Filling Stations
Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics
Books and Stationery
Jewellery
Miscellaneous
Data Collection
FREQUENCY OF DATA COLLECTION
Quarterly
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Latest Release
The All Sections Index of Retail Sales increased by 4.2% from 320.6 in the 2nd Quarter 2024 to 334.0 in the 3rd quarter 2024. This increase was largely attributable to increases observed in Other 48.7 % which was due mainly to an increase in Books and Stationery 243.0%; and Textiles and Wearing Apparel 29.1%. When a year on year analysis is undertaken, the All Sections Index in the 3rd Quarter 2024 increased by 1.4% from 329.4 in the 3rd quarter 2023. Owing mainly to increases in Textiles and Wearing Apparel 9.3% and Supermarkets and Groceries 5.4%. The volume of retail sales in the 3rd Quarter 2024 also increased by 3.9%. (January 27, 2025)
